We had an amazing, if too short, stay at Rebecca and Phil’s place. The cottage is immaculate, quiet, cozy, and the view from the picture windows is breathtaking.
We took to calling it the Posh Bothy.
Our visit was during a hot spell, and the place got very warm during the day, despite lowering all the shades. At night, we opened all the windows and doors and it cooled right down. It would have been nice to leave everything open all night but we were concerned about bugs and critters, and the neighborhood kitty, Smudge, finding their way in.
Pro tip for cool sleeping; leave the bedroom windows open all day with the louvres closed and keep the bedroom door closed at all times. You’ll be rewarded with a bedroom 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the cottage come bedtime.
Could the bed be a touch wider and firmer? Would window/door screens help with cooling and bug control? Would air con be nice? Yes to all of these, but these minor points are offset by the utterly charming and idyllic location, the many amenities and thoughtfulness of details, and the timely, attentive responses by the owners.
If you’re looking to stay somewhere close to the lakes but out of the mayhem of throngs of holiday makers, Bowland Bridge is THE place, and the Posh Bothy on Smithy Lane can NOT be topped for location, charm, convenience, and location.
Many thanks to Rebecca and Phil for their hospitality and for having the vision to bring this former blacksmith’s shop into the 21st century.